Day 4 blog: First Test Australia vs South Africa at the WACA

A sublime spell from Kagiso Rabada, a run out like we’ve not seen for some time from Temba Banuma and the absolute delight shown from Keshav Maharaj. As disappointing the performance of the Australian team is there’s ample diversion provided by South Africa. Drawing admiration from Ian Chappell is skipper Faf du Plessis’ understanding of spin bowling and his considered and cool-headed approach to the task at hand.

Narrowly avoiding a golden duck courtesy of DRS, Usman Khawaja survived the final innings with glimpses of gumption. I doubt Mitch Marsh will sleep.

South Africa is poised for a magnificent victory.

It’s difficult to imagine a positive result for the Australian team. Particularly not when a 539 chase begins with a stunning run out courtesy of an indiscriminate single. Inspirational bowling rotations by South African captain Faf du Plessis with the limited resources at his disposals continued to unsettle the batsmen. The final session of day 4 is sure to be charged with tension.

Here’s Ian Chappell to give it to you straight.

Five sessions remain in this Test match. If South Africa declare at lunch on 7/508 with a lead of 506, the Australians will need 100 runs per session. Tim Lane calculated in the 10 sessions played so far the average total of runs per session is 99.4.